When I started Seminary about 20
years ago, one of the first courses I took was Old Testament Survey. Other than
the Bible, our basic text was an INTRO to OT that had Tremper Longman III’s
name on the cover. I’ve read some other
things by Longman, and been impressed, so it was a no-brainer for me to request
this book when it became available through the bloggers’ program.
We have issues. As communities, as
nations, and on a global level we tend to live on the level of disagreement
which can quickly deteriorate into something else. Longman, in his latest book,
Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Pressing
Questions about EVOLUTION, SEXUALITY, HISTORY and VIOLENCE (Baker Books,
2019) teaches us, among so many other things, that we can disagree and remain
friend. It is refreshing to note the level of civility with which he presents
his arguments (maybe this book should be require reading for our American Congress)
Longman is a scholar, and his
knowledge shines through again and again. The Old Testament is hard reading for
so many of us, and many people would prefer to relegate it to a pile of books
that they think “used to be relevant, but since the time of Christ, is ‘out-dated’”.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Science’ has theories about evolution; historians argue facts, dates
and events; LGBT, women’s rights, and other groups clash with God's standards
for sexuality (and sexual behavior with its often unintended consequences); and
we wonder how a loving God could allow, or perhaps cause, such horrific events
as the plagues, wars, and genocide that are part of the Old Testament
Narrative. If we disregard the Old Testament, we lose an important part of our understanding
of the New Testament.
The Bible—both Old and New
Testaments—is an account of God and His mission to reconcile people to himself.
In Longman’s view, it is designed to point us to the One who saves, to point us
to the creator of all, and call us into relationship with Him. And this book is a forum to show how the
Bible does exactly that.
One of the most positive things
about this book is that we are not asked to blindly accept the author’s word
for it. He cites others who agree with him, but also names and addresses the opposing
viewpoints of the ‘other side of the aisle’. He does so without acrimony, just
plainly stating, without embellishment, why he thinks those arguments are
wrong. In several instances, he even points out where parts of the argument are
right.
But I also have an issue with a
part of his style of writing. I lost track of the number of times he mentions
an issue, and then without addressing it, says that he will have more to say on
the matter later on. I didn’t keep a
list to see if all those issues were indeed addressed, but for me it was
confusing, and sometimes I had to go back one or more paragraphs, or pages, to refresh
my memory on what he was talking about.
This book is not an easy read, but
it is well worth the read, especially if you are struggling with one or more of
the topics that Longman addresses (and who doesn’t struggle when what we’re
taught in our family, in school, or from friends or the media differs from what
the Bible teaches?)
I received a copy of this book as
part of the publisher’s bloggers program. I was not required to write a
positive review.
